Only 10 minutes away from busy Byron Bay, Broken Head Beach is a jewel for nature lovers. The secluded reserve offers stunning coastal views and short walks not to be missed. Indeed, one of my friends even says the Three Sister track may be the best short walk he’s done in Australia. Check out the map at the end of the article to see my favourite places in Broken Head.
While in this area, don’t miss my other favourite things to do in Byron Bay: scuba diving and snorkelling (you can even see turtles from the beach).
If you’ve been to Byron Bay, you’ve actually seen Broken Head Beach without even knowing. The nature reserve starts at the end of the beach that you can spot from the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse.
It can be hard to find a parking spot when you visit Broken Head. It kind of limits the number of people you’ll find on the beach and on the track. There are only a dozen spots to park the car at Snapper Rock track for instance. The best way to avoid parking frustration at Broken Head Beach is to book accommodation in Broken Head.
Where to stay in Broken Head
It is a reserve so you won’t find much development there. That’s what makes it very special. Still, there are a few accommodation options available at a walking distance from Brocken Head Beach, such as:
- Broken Head Holiday Park
- Byron Beach Retreats*
- SeaSpray*
- This stunning four-bedroom house*
- This beautiful three-bedroom house*
- This splendid holiday home*
Things to do in Broken Head
Broken Head Beach
Broken Head Beach is actually my least favourite place in Broken Head. It’s one of these beautiful Australian long beaches. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. But apart from Byron Bay Lighthouse at the end, the beach is not particularly special. All the other places in Broken Head feel more remote, secluded and with their touch of charming rocks.
However, if you don’t want to walk to get to the beach and prefer when there are facilities nearby (parking, toilets), then Broken Head Beach will be the best option for you.
From Broken Head Beach, you can walk to the stunning Three Sisters track.
Three Sisters track
When the Three Sisters are mentioned in Australia, we all think of the Blue Mountains and the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point. But Broken Head also has its own Three Sisters. Different scenery, different stories… both places are stunning.
The short 1.6-kilometre return walk is the most popular thing to do in Broken Head. It starts at the caravan park and will take you to a headland with spectacular views from the famous Byron Bay’s lighthouse on one side to the untouched beaches of Broken Bay on the other.
Kings Beach
I find King Beach more beautiful than Broken Head Beach, but it’s harder to reach as you’ll have to walk for about 10 minutes in the rainforest. Don’t be surprised: clothes are optional on Kings Beach!
Snapper Rocks track
A short walk through the rainforest will take you to the end of the headland. At low tide, you can spot inviting rock pools down the cliff. The views of Whites Beach are stunning. But the path to go down to the beach is a bit steep.
Whites Beach
With rocky coves and caves, Whites Beach – at low tide – is fantastic. In my opinion, it is the best beach in Broken Head Reserve.
Apparently, it’s a great beach for surfing when the northerly winds hit the coast. With Snapper Rocks at the end of the beach, it can also be a good spot for fishing. I don’t fish nor do I surf, but I loved how the beach had a few coves that made us feel like there was no one else nearby.
Map of Broken Head beaches and tracks
Broken Head Beach is about 10 minutes away from Byron Bay in the north of New South Wales. The other beaches in Broken Head Nature Reserve can only be accessed from a narrow dirt road through the beautiful rainforest. We had no problem accessing it with our 2WD vehicle.
Have you been to Broken Head? Share your experience in the comments below!
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